Osceola County

Osceola County Schools’ mask-optional policy could be revisited, board member says

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Osceola County students go back to class on Thursday, but they won’t have to wear masks if they don’t want to.

The school board back in July made the decision to make masks optional, before there was a lot of information about the delta variant.

School board member Terry Castillo said the board made that decision, and it’s one she will have to live with. But given the rise in cases the last few weeks, she personally doesn’t agree with making masks optional.

READ: Volusia County Schools to require all adults wear face masks on campus beginning Thursday

“I would like us to have masks mandated for the next 30 days at least, but I understand it’s not up to me,” she said. “I’d like to have this conversation openly.”

Castillo said she will watch the number of cases at the school and, if needed, will try to bring the topic back to the board before the first month is over.

READ: Back-to-school: What you need to know for your 1st day back

According to Monday’s numbers, there are 32 staff members and three students who are positive right now.

The school board meets next week. Masks remain optional within the school district for now.

Shannon Butler

Shannon Butler, WFTV.com

Shannon joined the Eyewitness News team in 2013.

Adam Poulisse, WFTV.com

Adam Poulisse joined WFTV in November 2019.